How to Tie Vans – Cool and Easy Ways to Lace Your Vans
Freaky ShoesIf you’ve ever struggled with how to tie Vans, you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s an easy way, which we have told hundreds of people.
To tie Vans:
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Start with even laces: Make sure both sides are the same length.
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Cross the laces: Form an “X” with the laces.
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Loop one lace under the “X”: Pull it tight to secure.
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Repeat this pattern: Keep going until you reach the top eyelets.
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Tie a knot or bow: Finish with a simple knot or a clean bow.
If you want to step up your Vans game, keep reading. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to lace like a pro, whether you’ve got Old Skools, high-tops, or a classic low-top pair.
Key Takeaways
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Classic Criss-Cross Lacing: This is the go-to way to lace Vans for a snug, classic fit.
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Straight Bar Lacing: Perfect if you like a clean, low-profile look with straight lines.
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Loose Skater Style: Great if you want a relaxed, slip-on feel without tight laces.
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No-Tie Old Skool Setup: Use elastic laces for a quick, slip-on style without the hassle.
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5-Hole Lacing: Ideal for Vans with fewer eyelets, keeping things simple and secure.
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Hidden Laces: Tuck the laces behind the tongue or under the insole for a sleek, no-lace vibe.
How to Tie Vans? (Simple Steps)

Lacing your Vans is a simple thing, but it can totally change the way your shoes look and feel. For the classic look, standard Criss-Cross Lacing is the best. Most people prefer this when they are wearing running sneakers.
Here’s how you can lace your Vans shoes:
|
Step |
Description |
|
Start with even lace lengths |
Push both ends through the bottom two eyelets from the inside out. |
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Create the criss-cross pattern |
Cross the laces over each other and pull them through the next set of eyelets. |
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Keep the pattern going |
Repeat this all the way up to the top. |
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Finish it off |
Tie a simple bow or double knot at the top. |
But what if you prefer a clean, minimalist style? In this case, we recommend Straight Bar Lacing.
|
Step |
Description |
|
Start with the basics |
Thread the lace straight across the bottom eyelets. |
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Build the straight bars |
Take one lace end up to the next eyelet and pull it straight across to the other side. |
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Mirror the pattern |
Do the same with the other lace end, keeping the bars straight. |
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Keep going |
Repeat this all the way to the top. |
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Final adjustments |
Tighten or loosen as needed for a comfy fit. |
Many people tell us that they prefer a laid-back, skater vibe. To them, we recommend Loose Skater Style. Here’s how to tie Vans:
|
Step |
Description |
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Start with a criss-cross base |
Lace them normally for the first few holes. |
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Loosen it up |
Skip a few eyelets for a more relaxed fit. |
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Let them hang |
Leave the laces loose for that chill, skater vibe. |
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Slip-on ready |
This is perfect if you’re always on the go. |
How to Tie Vans Without Laces Showing

If you like a clean, no-laces look, this one’s for you. To keep your Vans laces hidden:
|
Step |
Description |
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Use shorter laces |
This makes them easier to hide. |
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Lace up like normal |
Use the criss-cross method but stop two eyelets from the top. |
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Tuck the ends |
Hide the extra lace behind the tongue or under the insole. |
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Check the fit |
Make sure your shoes are still snug. |
How to Lace Vans with 5 Holes
For Vans with 5 eyelets, the lacing is a bit different, but it’s still simple and stylish. To lace 5-eyelet Vans:
|
Step |
Description |
|
Start with even lengths |
Thread the lace through the bottom eyelets from the inside out. |
|
Create the criss-cross |
Pull the laces through the next set of eyelets, crossing them over each other. |
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Repeat the pattern |
Keep going up all five holes. |
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Finish it off |
Tie a small knot or tuck the ends for a cleaner look. |
How to Lace Vans Old Skool No Tie
Old Skools are a classic, and lacing them without a tie gives them a super chill, slip-on vibe.
For a no-tie Old Skool setup:
|
Step |
Description |
|
Use elastic laces |
This is the trick for a no-tie, slip-on fit. |
|
Thread them normally |
Use a criss-cross or straight bar pattern, whichever you like. |
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Set the tension |
Make sure it’s snug but not too tight. |
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Trim the extra lace |
Cut them down and secure the ends under the insole. |
How to Bar Lace Vans
Bar lacing is one of the cleanest and most stylish ways to lace your Vans. It’s perfect if you like a low-profile, minimalist look. We’ve used this method on our Old Skools, and it always stands out. Here’s how to do it:
To bar lace your Vans:
|
Step |
Description |
|
Start with the basics |
Thread the lace straight across the bottom eyelets from the outside in. |
|
Build the first bar |
Take one lace end up to the next eyelet on the same side, then pull it straight across. |
|
Mirror the pattern |
Do the same with the other lace end, keeping the bars straight and flat. |
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Repeat this all the way up |
Continue until you reach the top eyelets. |
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Tuck or tie the ends |
You can either tie a small knot behind the tongue or tuck the ends for a cleaner finish. |
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Adjust the fit |
Make sure it’s snug but not too tight. |
How to Hide Laces on Vans
If you like a clean, no-laces look, hiding your laces is a simple but effective trick. To hide your laces:
|
Step |
Description |
|
Use shorter laces |
This makes them easier to tuck away. |
|
Lace up normally |
Use the criss-cross method but stop about two eyelets from the top. |
|
Tuck the ends |
Hide the remaining lace behind the tongue or under the insole. |
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Test the fit |
Make sure your shoes are still snug but comfortable. |
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Make final adjustments |
Pull the laces tight if needed, so they don’t slip. |
Final Words
All-inclusive, tying Vans is a really easy thing to do. Classic Criss-Cross Lacing is the go-to way to lace your shoes. You can also do Straight Bar Lacing if you like a clean, low-profile look with straight lines.
For hidden Laces, simply tuck the laces behind the tongue or under the insole. It’s that simple!




